The significance of short-term preoperative calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation in thyroidectomy: a randomized trial and prospective study.

Objective: The aim was to explore the effects of preoperative calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and hypo-parathyroid hormone-emia (hypo-PTHemia). Methods: A total of 209 patients were randomly divided into control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). Oral calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation were preoperatively administered to EG, whereas a placebo was administered to CG. Data on serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH concentrations before operation, on postoperative day 1 (POPD1), at postoperative week 3 (POPW3), and on the length of postoperative hospitalization were collected. Results: The serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH concentrations, as well as the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypo-PTHemia, did not significantly differ between EG and CG. Subgroup analysis revealed that the serum calcium concentrations of the experimental bilateral thyroidectomy subgroup (eBTS) on POPD1 and POPW3 were higher than that of the control bilateral thyroidectomy subgroup (cBTS) (P < 0.05); the reduction of serum calcium in eBTS on POPD1 and POPW3 was less than those in cBTS (P < 0.05). However, significant differences were not observed between the unilateral thyroidectomy subgroups (UTS) (P > 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia in cBTS on POPD1 was significantly higher than that in eBTS (65.9% vs 41.7%) (P < 0.05). The length of hospitalization in cBTS (3.55 ± 1.89 days) was significantly longer than that (2.79 ± 1.15 days) in eBTS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Short-term preoperative prophylactic oral calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation could effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and decrease the length of postoperative hospitalization in patients who have undergone bilateral thyroidectomy.

Silicon nanoparticles alleviate cadmium toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by modulating the nutritional profile and triggering stress-responsive genetic mechanisms.

This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of rice genotype '9311' to Cd stress and the mitigating effects of silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiO NPs). Cd exposure severely hindered plant growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, and Cd accumulation. However, SiO NPs supplementation, particularly the SiONP100 treatment, significantly alleviated Cd-induced toxicity, mitigating the adverse effects on plant growth while maintaining chlorophyll content and photosynthetic attributes. The SiONP100 treatment also reduced Cd accumulation, indicating a preference for Si uptake in genotype 9311. Complex interactions among Cd, Si, Mg, Ca, and K were uncovered, with fluctuations in MDA and H2O2 contents. Distinct morphological changes in stomatal aperture and mesophyll cell structures were observed, including changes in starch granules, grana thylakoids, and osmophilic plastoglobuli. Moreover, following SiONP100 supplementation, genotype 9311 increased peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities by 56%, 44%, and 53% in shoots and 62%, 49%, and 65% in roots, respectively, indicating a robust defense mechanism against Cd stress. Notably, OsNramp5, OsHMA3, OsSOD-Cu/Zn, OsCATA, OsCATB, and OsAPX1 showed significant expression after SiO NPs treatment, suggesting potential Cd translocation within rice tissues. Overall, SiO NPs supplementation holds promise for enhancing Cd tolerance in rice plants while maintaining essential physiological functions.

[Icariin inhibits thioacetamide-induced osteoclast differentiation through RANKL-p38/ERK-NFAT pathway].

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of icariin(ICA) on thioacetamide(TAA)-induced femoral osteolysis in rats. RAW264.7 cells were treated with TAA and ICA. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP) staining to examine the formation of osteoclasts. The expression of TRAP, cathepsin K, c-FOS, and NFATc1 in RAW264.7 cells was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence method. Thirty-two SD rats were randomized into the control group, TAA group(intraperitoneal injection of TAA at 300 mg·kg~(-1)), ICA group(gavage of ICA at 600 mg·kg~(-1)) and TAA + ICA group(intraperitoneal injection of TAA at 300 mg·kg~(-1) and gavage of ICA at 600 mg·kg~(-1)). Administration was performed every other day for 6 weeks. Body weight and length of femur were recorded at execution. Pathological injury and osteoclast differentiation of femur were observed based on hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and TRAP staining, and the changes of bone metabolism-related indexes alkaline phosphatase(ALP), calcium(Ca), phosphorus(P), magnesium(Mg), and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen(NTX-Ⅰ) in serum were detected. Three-point bending test and micro-CT were applied to evaluate the quality of femur, and Western blot to detect the levels of osteoclast-related proteins TRAP, cathepsin K, RANK, RANKL, p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK, c-Fos, and NFATc1. The results showed ICA could inhibit TAA-induced production of TRAP-positive cells, the expression of osteoclast-related proteins, and nuclear translocation of NFATc1. ICA alleviated the weight loss, reduction of femur length, and growth inhibition induced by TAA in SD rats. ICA ameliorated the decline of femur elastic modulus caused by TAA and significantly restored trabecular bone mineral density(BMD), trabecular pattern factor(Tb.Pf), trabecular number(Tb.N), trabecular thickness(Tb.Th), and structure model index(SMI), thus improving bone structure. Western blot results showed ICA suppressed femoral osteoclast differentiation induced by TAA through RANKL-p38/ERK-NFATc1 signaling pathway. ICA inhibits osteoclast differentiation and prevents TAA-induced osteolysis by down-regulating RANKL-p38/ERK-NFAT signaling pathway.

Transcriptional Analysis of Mice Melanoma B16-F10 Cells in Response to Directed Current Electric Fields.

The endogenous electric field (EF) is widely observed among tissues. It is supposed to be an important environmental factor in tumor metastasis. To explore the role of endogenous EFs in tumor metastasis, the migration of mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells in directed current EFs (dcEFs) was investigated. The transcriptome of melanoma B16-F10 cells in response to EF stimulation was analyzed using RNA sequencing. The results demonstrated that the mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells migrated toward the cathode in applied dcEFs. Directional migration occurred in a voltage-dependent manner. Approximately 3000 upregulated and 2613 downregulated genes were identified under dcEF. Some genes correlated with cell migration, such as Serpine1, Ctgf, Fosb, and Fos, were upregulated. The signaling pathways involved in cell motility were significantly altered. Some genes, highly related to tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis, are upregulated in response to EF stimulation. Endogenous EFs may play a role in tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Efficacy and safety of long-term transcutaneous electroacupuncture versus sham transcutaneous electroacupuncture for delayed gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy: study protocol for a randomized, patient-assessor blinded, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after distal gastrectomy impacts patients' nutritional status and quality of life. The current treatments of DGE seem unsatisfactory or need invasive interventions. It is unknown whether transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) is effective in treating DGE. METHODS: A total of 90 eligible participants who underwent distal gastrectomy will be randomly allocated to either the TEA group (n = 60) or the sham transcutaneous electroacupuncture (sham-TEA) group (n = 30). Each participant will receive TEA on the bilateral acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the residual rates of radioactivity in the stomach by gastric scintigraphy and total response rates. The secondary outcomes will be endoscopic features, autonomic function, nutritional and psychological status, serum examination, and quality of life (QoL). The adverse events will also be reported. The patients will be followed up 1 year after the treatment. DISCUSSION: The findings of this randomized trial will provide high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of long-term TEA for treating DGE after distal gastrectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033965. Registered on 20 June 2020.

Icariin attenuates thioacetamide­induced bone loss via the RANKL­p38/ERK­NFAT signaling pathway.

There is an increasing incidence of destructive bone disease caused by osteoclast proliferation. This is characterized by reduced bone mass and imbalance of bone homeostasis. Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid compound isolated from Epimedium, has anti­osteoporosis activity and inhibits the formation of osteoclasts and bone resorption. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ICA on osteoclastic differentiation induced by thioacetamide (TAA) and its possible mechanism in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In the present study, SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with TAA (300 mg/kg) for the bone loss model, treated with ICA (600 mg/kg, intragastric gavage) in the ICA group and TAA+ICA group for treatment of bone loss for 6 weeks. Indexes associated with bone metabolism, such as alkaline phosphatase, N­terminal telopeptide of type­I collagen (NTX­I), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in the serum, were detected. Osteoclast differentiation of femoral tissues was detected by hematoxylin and eosin and tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase staining. The femoral bone mass was evaluated using a three­point bending test and micro computed tomography. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of osteoclast­related proteins in each group. In the rats treated with TAA, the serum concentrations of Ca, P and Mg were decreased, the serum concentration of NTX­I was increased, osteoclast differentiation of the femur was increased, femur bone stress and bone mass were decreased and the bone loss and osteoclast formation were reduced after ICA treatment. In addition, ICA inhibited the protein expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ­Β ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor κ­B (RANK), p38, ERK, c­Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) in the femur of rats treated with TAA. The results suggested that ICA may inhibit osteoclast differentiation by downregulating the RANKL­p38/ERK­NFAT signaling pathway and prevent TAA­induced bone loss. The results are helpful to understand the mechanism of osteoclast differentiation induced by TAA, as well as the antiresorptive activity and molecular mechanism of ICA, and to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteolytic diseases.

Electroacupuncture or transcutaneous electroacupuncture for postoperative ileus after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no ideal treatment for postoperative ileus (POI) after abdominal surgery. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) in improving postoperative POI. METHODS: We systematically screened randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from multiple databases and included 15 high quality RCTs. Two investigators independently conducted data extraction, risk of bias assessment and statistical analysis. Meta-analysis was performed by a random- (REM) or fixed-effect (FIXED) model. RESULTS: A total of 15 trials involving 965 participates were included. Meta-analysis results favored EA/TEA treatment for POI by analysis of time to first flatus [mean difference (MD) -11.60 h, I2 = 94%, REM)], time to first defecation (MD -12.94 h, I2 = 90%, REM), time to bowel sound recovery (MD -7.25 h, I2 = 85%, REM), time to first oral feeding (MD -15.76 h, I2 = 47%, REM) and length of hospital stay (MD -1.19 d, I2 = 44%, REM). Subgroup analysis of laparoscopic surgery patients also favored EA/TEA by analysis of time to first flatus (MD -2.46 h, I2 = 0%, FIXED), time to first oral feeding (MD -10.73 h, I2 = 0%, FIXED) and length of hospital stay (MD -1.30 d, I2 = 32%, REM). ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu) and ST39 (Xiajuxu) are preferred EA/TEA acupoints for treating POI. There was no significant difference in postoperative analgesic consumption between EA and control groups (P = 0.39). No severe adverse events associated with EA/TEA were reported. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that EA/TEA is a safe, effective treatment for POI after abdominal surgeries including laparoscopic surgery, and that EA/TEA does not relieve postoperative pain after abdominal surgery. There is significant heterogeneity of research on this subject, thus, a professional consensus is needed to establish a standard protocol for use of this technique.

Transcutaneous electroacupuncture alleviates postoperative ileus after gastrectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) to alleviate postoperative ileus (POI) after gastrectomy. METHODS: From April 2014 to February 2017, 63 gastric cancer patients were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. After gastrectomy, the patients were randomly allocated to the TEA (n = 33) or control (n = 30) group. The patients in the TEA group received 1 h TEA on Neiguan (ST36) and Zusanli (PC6) twice daily in the morning and afternoon until they passed flatus. The main outcomes were hours to the first flatus or bowel movement, time to nasogastric tube removal, time to liquid and semi-liquid diet, and hospital stay. The secondary outcomes included postoperative symptom assessment and complications. RESULTS: Time to first flatus in the TEA group was significantly shorter than in the control group (73.19 ± 15.61 vs 82.82 ± 20.25 h, P = 0.038), especially for open gastrectomy (76.53 ± 14.29 vs 87.23 ± 20.75 h, P = 0.048). Bowel sounds on day 2 in the TEA group were significantly greater than in the control group (2.30 ± 2.61/min vs 1.05 ± 1.26/min, P = 0.017). Time to nasogastric tube removal in the TEA group was earlier than in the control group (4.22 ± 1.01 vs 4.97 ± 1.67 d, P = 0.049), as well as the time to liquid diet (5.0 ± 1.34 vs 5.83 ± 2.10 d, P = 0.039). Hospital stay in the TEA group was significantly shorter than in the control group (8.06 ± 1.75 vs 9.40 ± 3.09 d, P = 0.041). No significant differences in postoperative symptom assessment and complications were found between the groups. There was no severe adverse event related to TEA. CONCLUSION: TEA accelerated bowel movements and alleviated POI after open gastrectomy and shortened hospital stay.

Identification of antitumor constituents in curcuminoids from Curcuma longa L. based on the composition-activity relationship.

Using orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS), based on the Simca-p11.5 software, and canonical correlation analysis (CCA), performed on MatLab r2010 software, the correlation between curcuminoids extracted from Curcuma longa L. and the antitumor activity on HeLa cells was investigated to identify the significantly active constituents. Fingerprints from 31 batches of curcuminoids from C. longa L. were established using high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), and a total of 26 selected characteristic peaks were quantitatively analyzed. Afterward, the antitumor activities of the curcuminoids on HeLa cells were measured using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. We found that 13 of the curcuminoids (peaks 9, 18, 14, 8, 16, 17, 24, 12, 4, 13, 10, 20 and 11) were significantly correlated with antitumor activity via a Loadings plot and VIP (variable importance in projection) in OPLS and a correlation coefficient in CCA. These results support a method for the discovery of antitumor active constituents.

[Variation of monosacchride composition of polysacchrides in Dendrobium officinale by pre-column derivatization HPLC method].

The monosacchride composition of polysacchrides in Dendrobium officinal of different germplasms, physiological ages and closely related species were determined by pre-column derivatization HPLC. The results showed that the absolute and relative volumes of all monosacchrides were significantly different between D. officinale and its closely related species, different germplasms and physiological ages of D. officinale. Absolute peak areas of mannose ranged from 0.854 x 10(7) to 10.340 x 10(7) in closely related species of D. officinale, ranged from 1.467 x 10(7) to 8.475 x 10(7) in different germplasms of D. officinale and were 4.411 x 10(7) (2.577 x 10(7)-6.516 x 10(7)), 5.528 x 10(7) (3.179 x 10(7)-8.475 x 10(7)) and 3.601 x 10(7) (1.467 x 10(7)-5.888 x 10(7)), respectively, in one to three physiological ages of D. officinale. The ratio of mannose to glucose peak areas (relative peak area) ranged from 0.976 to 16.599 in closely related species of D. officinale and from 2.679 to 7.831 in different germplasms of D. officinale. Only the relative peak areas of D. pendulum and D. primulinum were in the range of different germplasms of D. officinale in all tested samples. The results revealed the variation of monosacchride composition of polysacchrides in D. officinale. Monosacchride composition of D. officinale could be altered by breeding new varieties and controlling harvesting season. Most adulterants of D. officinale could be ruled out according to the relative peak areas of D. officinale, providing a basis for quality control and resources training of D. officinale.

[Study on the groundwater petroleum contaminant biodegradation by high efficient microorganism].

The groundwater petroleum contaminant biodegradation effect by high efficient hybrid microorganism was. investigated and the groundwater contaminant biodegradation transportation mathematical model was established in this study. The high efficient bacteria was separated and filtrated from the soil contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbon, and it was identified as Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Micrococcus. The petroleum degradation rates by these three kinds microorganism were 62%, 56% and 62% respectively in 24 h, and the high petroleum biodegradation rate 85% could be achieved by the hybrid microorganism constituted by these three kinds of microorganism, which was higher than that of any other each single bacteria community. The hybrid microorganism in-flowed into the reactor imitating the aquifer media with the petroleum wastewater, and it could form a steady microorganism zone in the foreside of the reactor. The petroleum biodegradation rate could achieve 60% when the petroleum wastewater flowed through this microorganism zone and the average petroleum biodegradation rate could reach up to 90% in the effluent. The groundwater contaminant biodegradation transportation mathematical model can predict the biodegradation of the wastewater through the microorganism zone effectively, of which the calculating values have good relativity with those of measurement.